Unethical use of Customer Data by Social Media Platforms
editOne of the great advantages of the computer is that it provides such easy access to data, through powerful search facilities, ease of communication, and sophisticated analysis capabilities. When the data is sensitive and personal, however, this can lead to serious abuse, because it opens the way for the data to be used for purposes quite different from its intended use. This can happen for a number of reasons. The rules governing who can use the data and for what purpose may not be clear or restrictive enough to protect the intentions and interests of the subjects. Or those who control the data may not enforce the rules. Or they may not have sufficient control over who accesses the data. Whatever the reason, this can lead to severe problems. Online Social Service providers collect the private and sensitive data of their customers that can be misused by data collectors, third parties, or by unauthorized users.
The advent of online social networks (OSN) has transformed a common passive reader into a content contributor. It has allowed users to share information and exchange opinions, and also express themselves in online virtual communities to interact with other users of similar interests. However, OSN have turned the social sphere of users into the commercial sphere. This should create a privacy and security issue for OSN users.
OSN service providers collect the private and sensitive data of their customers that can be misused by data collectors, third parties, or by unauthorized users.